University of Virginia Library

ACT IV.

Enter Appamia, meeting Zelide.
App.
Hast thou seen Bucarius

Zel.
I have.

App.
And moves the Engine right?

Zel.
As Mischiefs self were the Contriver,—
Emilius is freed; and by a Letter charg'd with
Villany, a Feign Challenge sent him, to defend his Honor,
Threatn'd with Cowardize: If he devulge or
Forbear the meeting.

App.
An early Courage, and undaunted Mind his forward
Youth has still discover'd: His Manly Arm
Pluckt fair Fame from Danger's ugliest Mouth;
And in our Annals made long Tracts of brightness.

Zel.
Gloomy, and sad this way he walks; now revolving
Deeply in his troubl'd Breast, this unexpected Charge
Of Fate; then starting, as from a Dream of Horror,
And Crying out Lovisa!

App.
Aye; that's the Thought that tears him; not
For himself, but her, he fears—Fool, Fool!
Be still; or to Elysium go, and meet her there!
On Earth I stand the Flaming Barr between
That ye shall never clasp with Joy—

Zel.
The Lord Bucarius hither trains Brisca, by ways.
To him unknown, where he shall see Emilius, and
Lovisa behold their meeting Joys, and Confirm the
Dishonor he suspects; next the pretended Challenge
Draws Emilius back, and leaves Lovisa to yours
And to her Brother's Rage.

App.
My Fancy hurry's on to wild Confusions I dare
Not trust Brisac's resentment, they may talk, and
All be well; is the fatal Cordial ready.

Zel.
The Poison is.

App.
But may we trust Bucarius in his Contrivance
Of a Challenge, I know Emilius eager to Answer
His Accuser, Suppose the General prove a real Foe
My Rage shrinks back at thought of my Emilius,
I cannot bear that he should be destroy'd, my Injuries
Mount high, but Love Soars higher yet, and will
Preserve him.

Zel.
Bucarius I dare dromise will not exceed your
Commands, least he forfeit what he so lately gain'd,
Your Favour.

App.
Emilius comes, hast, give Lovisa Notice why
Dost thou flutter thus my Injur'd Heart, why
Steals the Woman's weakness into my Eyes at his
Lov'd sight, here will I wait unseen, and view their
Fondness to Steel my Soul from all remorse.

[Exit.
Enter Emilius, With a Paper in his Hand.
Emil.
Call'd, Villain; Coward! Seiz'd
Challeng'd in my Father's Court! And yet
By Honor, and by Love compell'd not to
Discover who I am. (for that wou'd give this
Blaster of my Fame just Cause for his black Calumnies.)
But Oh! Lovisa!
To whom shall I commit her? How hide
These dark Perplexities! Which shou'd the
Trembling Dear once know: 'Twou'd
Fright her Peace away; and
Break her tender Heart.

Enter Lovisa and Zelide.
Lov.
See where he Stands; Squandering the precious
Minuts; which I with eager Expectation
Counted—Pains in my Heart, and in
My Eyes, incessant Tears.

Zel.
Some Grief has seiz'd him; but sure your Sight
Will hush his Cares—I'll to my Princess;
And inform her of his coming.

Lov.
My Lord!

Emil.
My Love! My Life!

Lov.
Am I well us'd?

Emil.
Are ye not my Dearest!

Lov.
No!

Emil.
By whom?

Lov.
By thee, Emilius; thou much Lov'd false One!

Emil.
Ha!

Lov.
Is this your promis'd hast? Are these thy Joys Sardina
Yields? Cou'd you not add a Day to your Dissembled Truth!
Must I be tortur'd instantly? Yes, yes I must!
For I deserve it all; from Heav'n I merit more:
But not (Oh cruel Man) not from thee!

Emil.
My Angel! Thy upbradings are unjust—
Were there no Cause for my delay: Methinks
Lovisa might have chid me less Severely—
But, Oh! Believe Emilius, who never will
Deceive thee, there was a Cause!

Lov.
That Cause I'de know. If I am Lov'd,
I may be trusted—The Letter, which, at sight
Of me, so hastily you hid—Let me see it;
Ease the wracking Fears, that from my Heart and
Eyes draw painful Showers—For I too think, I
Have a Cause, much Cause, to suspect thy Faith.

Emil.
What Villain, equal Enemy to Truth, and me,
Has dar'd Traduce my Honor?

Lov.
Give me the Letter; and I'le confront the Accuser
With the falshood you stand Charg'd.

Emil.
How poor is your Request! Command
My Life; and try your Power!

Lov.
If desiring so small a thing I am deny'd:
What future hope can raise me from Despair!
Oh Emilius! Thy words have lost their Accent!
And thy looks their Tenderness! Something sadly
Whispers to my Soul, I am undone!—
For ever, ever Ruin'd!

Emil.
Sure Fate has watch'd her time, for my Destruction!
And with a smiling Face, led me on to happy Moments;
Which I expecting doubly Fraught with Joys:
Now turn the Curst Reverse, and leave no
Grasping Hold!

Lov.
I am that Fate you fear; the Bar to some
New Beauty, or Wealthier Aim—But
Oh! My Lord! If there remains one Spark
Of Honor, bestow me in a Cloyster; amidst secluded
Virgins I'le remain; nor murmur your unkindness—
Do this; if you are not lost to all Humanity—
Let the Holy Veil shrow'd me, from the vile Scorns
Of your ungrateful Sex!

Emil.
O here am I! Who is it talks thus to me!
It is Lovisa! My Wife! Dearer thrn
These Eyes! Dearer than my strugling Heart!
Which never trembled, but at thy Anger!
Dearer than every Tye, or Bond, which Nature makes!
By her am I Condemn'd; by her thus hardly us'd,
Take notice thou Stranger, Enemy; whatsoe're
Thou art—All thy approbrious Names I here
Forgive Thee; since she, my Bosom'd Soul, who
Like my Conscience, knows each Action of my Life:
Since she Taxes me with loss of Honor—Oh!
All ye Powers! Perhaps I have mistook the
Paths of Virtue; and am indeed a Villain!

Lov.
I cannot bear to see him thus! It wracks me,
Worse than my Suspicious! Oh! Forgive my
Inconsiderate Words; and take me to your Arms; whilst
Mine are fill'd with Pleasures; leaning on your Breast,
And Listening to your Sighs; let me forget my Sorrows;
And if it is Deceit: 'Tis also Delight ineffable,
To be so deceiv'd!

Emil.
Oh Charmer! Charmer! But all words are weak,
I'le grasp thee, fircer, than Life can bear;
And leave my Soul upon thy Lips!

App.
aside behind the Scenes.
Poison, and Death shall enter next the Torturing Wretches!

Bucarius and Brisac appear in the Balcony.
Buc.
Look there!

Bris.
Ha, my Eyes betray me into Errors!
Blasts, and Lightenings seize 'em!

Buc.
Forbear your Passion; or our Revenge is lost!
'Tis but one Slave, by Bribes I've gain'd:
On, the least Noise we are discover'd!

Emil.
Do I not Love ye!

Lov.
I will suspect no more!

Bris.
Curst, Curst Lovisa! Contagion of my Blood!
Disgrac'd is our, till now, untainted Honor.

Buc.
Vile Lovisa!—Begon! they'l turn
Upon us! Begon; or I shall think you
Cowardly! Avoid the Vengeance such wrongs require!

Bris.
Fly! I need no urging; Conduct me to the
Fatal Place; that I may mark it for the
[Exeunt from the Balcony.
Traytors Blood! O Lovisa!

Lov.
Ha! Did I not hear my Name!
It was pronounc'd aloud; and with a Voice,
That I'm sure is not unknown!
Oh my Emilius! All my Fears return!

Emil.
Thy Fancy only!

Lov.
Yet, you started too! Ha! Thy lovely Eyes
Relate their Fires! And thou agen
Art lost in Contemplation!

Emil.
Take off Oh Lovisa, those piercing Looks;
Let not those Heav'nly Lights, the Planets
That must Rule my Days, this Moment
Pry into my Heart: And all the Years
I have to come, I'le lay it open, to thy view: Spare me some
Hours, and I'le bring thee everlasting Peace!

Lov.
Eternal Woe! Ha! I reflect on thy past words!
Thou hast an Enemy! O Idle Jealousies; where
Got ye room into a Bosome that is fill'd with naught
But Love! Behold me on my Knees; Hanging upon
Thine, with Dying Pangs! Oh! Let it strike Compassion
Through thee!

Emil.
Why doth thy Tenderness Torment thy self, and me;
Indeed my Love, there is no Danger; nor Just Cause
For thy disquiet—I'le intreat our Friend to Comfort ye.

Lov.
I have no Friend, but thou; stay with me, I beg ye by
These Tears; by these poor trembling Limbs; which with
Their shaking loose their Hold, that I will never quit
Till Life forsakes me!

Emil.
Oh hardest Tryal!—But the time will be Elaps'd—
Who waits there?

Lov.
Do call 'em—Command they tear me from ye!
No, they need not! Death, Death rids ye of the trouble!

Emil.
Ha! Sinks! Faint and Cold!—Appamia
[She faints.
Princess! Zelide! Help there!

Enter Appamia, and Zelide.
App.
Bless me! What's the matter? Lovisa Swooning
In your Arms!

Emil.
Enquire not; but quickly apply some Remedy!

App.
The precious Cordial—now Zelide; now—

Zel.
Madam?

App.
Dost thou demur; and seest the lovely Creature dead
Be Swift, I charge thee! Fly!—Bend her
[Exit, and returns with a Bowl.
Gently forward!—Give it me—
Hold, from your Hand it will be most acceptable—

[Emil. to Zel.]
Why dost thou tremble?

App.
Alas! We are frighted all! T'has seiz'd me so:
I am almost in her Condition!

Emil.
My Love Drink this—

App.
Well may she indeed be faint; for all my Art
Cou'd not perswade her, in your absence, by the Taste
Of, ought to Refresh her out-worn Spirits.

Lov.
Oh! Will it give me Rest—

[Drinks.
Emil.
I hope so dearest!

App.
[aside]
'Tis done, and by his Hand!—Methinks the
Infernal Powers Smile; turn; turn o're their horrid Leaves
Of black Revenges: And set mine down most Exquisite!

Emil.
How fares my only Blessing?

Lov.
Beyond the power of strugling longer with my Woes!
Lead me Virgins, from him, and from the Light;
Let Sable Curtains make an Artificial Night
There will I fix, and my sad Fate deplore,
Nor e're look up or aim at Comfort more.

[Exeunt.
Emil.
She's gone! And with her Griefs has riven my
Heart asunder! Oh Appamia! By the pure
Fire, that kindled in our Infant Minds, and grew
To Friendships holy Flame, I do Conjure thee
Cherish my Lovisa; whatever rugged Fortune's mine,
In Life's uncertain Lottery: Or if the Blank
Prove Death; Oh! Let me dye your Beggar: Turn
All the kindness you have born to me, and
Fix it on my Mourning Bride! So may
The Power's shed on your Beauteous Frame
Eternal Blessings; never ceasing Joy:
And successive Comforts without end!

App.
Why this Injunction?

Emil.

[Exit.
App.
Ye Curst Fond Foolish Eyes, that drew in Fires, yet
Wanted power to dart 'em back, Stretch your Extorted
Lids persue his Lovely Form, perhaps ye never
May behold him more. Zelide, I prethee Drench this
Dagger in thy fatal Compound that the least
Enterance by it made, may carry Death speedy
And inevitable.

Zel.
Is this at last the only Service I must do for
My most Generous Mistress, to scatter destruction
Round, and leave her Name Accurst.

App.
'Tis past, my Zelide, we are plung'd in deep
Unfathomable depths, there's no returning.
The shudderrings o're Lovisa there I must sink
In Blood, and loose the sense of fear.

Zel.
Oh for Lovisa I cou'd weep! In few hours space
Such heat will boyl within her Veins;
Such pains will stretch her Aking Nerves;
Intolerable Burnings in her Brain; thro' every
Pore Fire unquenchable force its way;
Hissing in her Blood: and Flaming in her Eyes.

App.
And by Emilius this Cordial Draught was
Administred: 'tis fit he sees his handy work—
Oh Subtil Aid of Hell; for the Contrivance was
Beyond my hope—In such pains must She Expire, say'st thou?

Zel.
Oh yes! But if your Christian Faith, I have Learnt
Be true; Death Ends her Misery, and mine for causing it,
Bears an Eternal Date.

App.
Canst thou fear Hell, that look'st its Offspring?
Complexion'd, as our Fancy paints Devils—
But (Oh!) for me, who have a thousand times
Been told my Form was bright as Angels Form,
To sink amongst Infernal black Tormentors!
Away! I'le shun that thought, my selfe I'le fly,
To think is tasting Hell, before I dye.

[Exeunt.
SCENE Changes.
Enter Adellaida, and Amidea.
Adel.
Support me, Amidea; for I sink with Fears!
And ye Auspicious Stars, Assist! Grant, as I
Wish to loose a Lover, I may gain a Friend!

Ami.
See, Madam he comes.

Adel.
By my Appointment comes—What shall
I say? How work him to my Wishes?

Ami.
Denying his despair, Succeeds.

Enter Lorenza.
Lor.
With all the trembling Fears, unhappy Wretches
View their awful Judge, I am come to know
From you, the bright disposer of my Fate,
What is my Doom?

Adel.
And when that Doom is past, Lorenza the Wise,
And Brave, Arm with Resolution; and what's
Irrevocable, bear with unshaken Minds.

Lor.
Oh pointing Prelude to the sure Blow of Fate!
Why was I born! Or why preserv'd to this
Distracting Hour! ye Malicious Stars that knew
Me form'd the hate of Adellaida? Why in my Cardle did ye
Forbear to shed your poisonous Fires, and blast my
Thoughtless Childhood: E're I knew such pangs as these!

Adel.
Call it not hate, Lorenza, when I profess an
Esteem particular; which every day increases,
And grows to an Admiration of your Noble Qualities.

Lor.
But never will produce the least spark of Love—Say Madam
Is it not so? Do I not speak your thoughts?

Adel.
Suppose you came too late: turn'd Beggar, when I
Was Bankrupt grown; your worthy Heart is not
To be Trifled with: therefore I deal without Reserve

Lor.
Executions tho' delay'd, or given Instantly
Bear equal Terror!

Adel.
That you, My Lord, already have my Father's Voice,
Is Granted; Nay, that Minutely I expect his Dread
Commands, Most true: but that they cannot be by me
Obey'd, is also a sad Truth; which you must hear!

Lor.
Hold, 'e're ye pronounce my Fate!—what! never
Adellaida? no continu'd Services? not Reiterated
Prayers? no Expence of Blood? will nothing,
Nothing move thee? Oh Inexorable!

Adel.
Had I not thought you the Noblest of Mankind
I had not Dar'd thus far; For my Petition is—

Lor.
I Guess it Madam—what ails my heart to heave!
But go on—all will be Calm.

Adel.
Ha! Lorenza! Thy Face grows Pale
I wou'd have ask'd thee, to have told the Vice-roy
Thy desires were Chang'd—But Oh! I find
Thee fix'd, to both our Ruins!

Lor.
What does my Rival fear my Sword? Or does he
Scorn me? Or is it height of Pride or Cruelty
To send me Death, this Torturing way?

Adel.
Wrong not the Innocent; 'tis I alone wou'd tempt thee
To a Generous Act; to do a Deed, will set the
Foremost in Heroick Lovers Fame; to quit thy
Passion, but to save thy Mistress—for Oh! if you
Persist, you may heap my Father's wrath upon me;
Yes, you may cause my Death: My Love ye cannot Cause!

Lor.
O Severity!—But I'le Complain no more—If I am
Thy distin'd Victim, 'tis he, the happy he, shall
Send me thro' my Wrack'd Heart; force his Triumphant
Way, with hands steep'd in my Gore, (a sight will
Please those Cruel Eyes) Grasp the Bliss: for which,
Whilst I have Breath, I shall be wishing!

(is going)
Adel.
Hold, Lorenza, against whom dost thou Arm?

Lor.
Needs that Question? Don Lopez, my Curst Supplanter!

Adel.
Stay thee a Moment; and know—That Noble
Youth's my Husband—If after this knowledge, thou
Dar'st to lift thy Impious Hands against him;
If thou dost Wound him (For Chance of't Rules the Brave:)
Blasted be my hopes for ever, when I not double all those Wounds
Upon my Bosome! If I not neglect my latest Prayer;
And in Cursing thee, forsake the hated World!

Lor.
Oh wretched State!—Be still, my
Raging Heart, be still! Bound no more in boyling
Blood! I'le ope the Sluce; and give thee Ease—
Turn, Adellaida, swift as thy Wishes! See where
Thy Fury falls—I have Reveng'd thee of thy detested Foe!

Adel.
O desparate Man! Now thou hast Ruin'd me
[Stabs himself.
Indeed—Some help there!

Lor.
All help is vain; when Despair, like mine, gives
The Blow! There needs no second Aim—say—
Won't thou Curse me now?

Adel.
Oh! I must Curse my self for ever! Why, Amidia;
Dost thou stand agast? Start from thy sad amaze;
And fill the Palace with thy Cries.

Amid.
Help here! help!

[Exit.
Adal.
Lorenzo! thou rash unfortunate!
What hast thou done?

Lor.
Ha! Can my Streaming Wound force a relenting
Tear? Yes, yes, it does: Let not the Precious Balm
Drop too near my Heart: Lest I Revive;
And agen Torment thee!

Adel.
Oh! I wou'd waste in never ceasing showers,
To save thy Noble Life.

Lor.
Is't possible? Lend me thy Hand; nor shall your
Too, too happy Husband feel a Jealous pang—
The Kisses I shall leave upon it, are Damp'd
With the Cold Dew of Death.

Enter Vice-roy, Attended.
Vice.
Whither does this dolefull Sound Conduct me?

Adel.
Behold the Blasting Sight!

Vice.
Ha! Lorenza Dying! who has done this Cursed Deed?

Lor.
I, my self. Farewel my Father—
Oh Adellaida, Farewel.

(Dies.)
Vice.
My Son! My Darling Expecttation for ever gone!
—Ah Trait'riss! Ah Ingrate! well mayst
Thou Weep: This was thy Work.

Adel.
Oh Sir!

Vice,
'Tis past excuse, or Pardon! has my Indulgence caus'd
This Disobedience? Curst then be former Fondness; I shall
No more behold thee, but with a Loathing Eye.

Adel.
Fatal Sounds! Drive not your once Lov'd Daughter
To Distraction.

Vice.
Where lernt ye boldness to contemn my Choice? Confusion
Light upon your Awkard Sex! Give ye your Will;
Your Headstrong Will, and you'l lead your selves into perdition.

Adel.
Kneeling I implore your Mercy—O pity and forgive
Your Wretched Offspring, with dear Paternal Blessings
Raise me; Or I shall sink beneath your dreadful Anger!

Vice.
Pity and Pardon! when I behold the blooming Hopes
Of Spain Level'd by thy base Pride, below the meanest
Slave! Deny'd the Sacred Funeral Rites! Rak'd up in
Vile Unhallow'd Clay! Oh sad Remembrance! 'Tis
For some Minion this Brave Young Man was Sacrific'd—
But hide him I Charge thee, hide him from thy
Injur'd Father, or by my Just Resentment,
He shall be Years a Dying. I'le have his Eyes pull'd out,
His Flesh by Burning Pincers torn; and when he Roars,
In heat of Torment, Scalding Oyl shall be the Draughts
Administer'd, and Add to his Hellish Pains.

Adel.
See Sir, See; how you drag me on the Earth!
Send, Send me to Lorenza; but use such killing Words no more

Vice.
If, he scape my Vengeance, may the sure hand of Fate.
O'retake him! when with Fond Eager Eyes,
Thou steals to the Banquet of ungracious Love;
May'st thou View him the Destruction of thy Hopes,
Pale, Bleeding, and Dead; as is Lorenza.

Adel.
Kneel Amida, kneel, prostrate lye on the Ground
Bathing with me his Feet,
And lifting up thy Hands, to move him.

Vice.
This Murder's thine, False Girl! Seek Heav'n,
With Patience, and Prayer, Cry out aloud for Mercy there;
Which (Oh!) I fear will now be hard to find!

[Exit.
Ami.
Rise Madam, I beg ye Rise,
These Wounding Griefs Consume ye.

Adel.
Ah Cruel Father! ther's something whispers to my heart
I shall have Peace, in spite of all this Drowning Tempest—
Yet I will Rouze a little, and warm my most unhappy Love,
My Dear Unfortunate Brisac: Conjure him
Fly This Fatal Isle!
And safety in some humble Harbour find.
For sure no Star Reigns here, to Lovers kind!

[Exit.